“Shepherd Lane was an old farm track which was tarmacked to create a proper road.

“Residents are concerned about additional traffic. It is already an issue for traffic getting onto Lincoln Way and this would bring extra traffic through there.

“There are thick hedgerows and big trees down there, which act as a green buffer, but which would be torn down."

SHEPHERD LANE: The lane is popular with horse riders, cyclists and walkers.

Sarah Thomsen is among residents who have lodged objections with East Riding Council, which will rule on the scheme.

Mrs Thomsen said: “It was understood that there would be proper consultation with residents and councillors on the location of the spine road and that ultimately this road was to join Minster Way.

“This is has not happened and instead a planning application has been sent in by a developer suggesting Shepherds Lane be widened and used for access to a new housing estate.

“Not all residents of Thyme Way received notification of the planning proposals and there was no consultation.

“Many residents will be concerned by the proposals to widen and use Shepherds Lane as a main link road eventually servicing almost 2,000 houses, in particular as this will be directly behind houses that are already in place.

“There are better alternatives including access onto Minster Way or another slip road onto the Minster Way roundabout."

HOUSING PLANS: Permission is being sought for up to 71 homes off Shepherd Lane, Beverley.

East Riding ward Councillor David Elvidge said: “I support fully the residents in this area who are not against house building, but strongly object to the use of Shepherd Lane for access when there are other access routes available which would lessen the impact on the whole community.

“I would urge a rethink on these plans which would enable all residents to work with the developers to find a better solution."

Mark Barrett, managing director of developers Risby Homes, said the land south of Shepherd Lane is allocated for development in East Riding Council's recently adopted Local Plan.

He said it is a Local Plan requirement for a spine road to be provided through the site linking Woodmansey Mile and Lincoln Way.

He said: “We have included the first part of this link from Lincoln Way within our planning application.

“Depending upon when planning approval were obtained, the development would probably start in 2018, would cost in excess of £15m and the range of house prices would probably be up to around £350,000."

Resident Mrs Thomsen is urging people to object or comment as soon as possible to East Riding Council, planning reference 17/00542/STOUT.